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The 1970s were the heyday of research on bedding plants—a time when both interest and innovation blossomed. But since then, a lot has changed! Many new species and cultivars have been introduced, changes in propagation procedures have resulted in more frequent outbreaks of diseases and infestations of insect pests, and the long-distance exchange of plant materials has facilitated worldwide movement of new and sometimes pesticide-resistant pathogens and arthropod pests. Management strategies have changed significantly, as well, and now include enhanced clean stock production for some crops, more rigorous sanitation practices, and applications of improved chemical pesticides and biological controls.

Compendium of Bedding Plant Diseases and Pests summarizes all the latest research-based information about diseases, disorders, and arthropod pests of annuals grown as bedding plants. The information has been compiled by A. R. Chase, Margery L. Daughtrey, and Raymond A. Cloyd. All three authors have worked extensively with the U.S. greenhouse industry for many years and thus provide a well-informed and practical perspective.

The nature of bedding plant production, in which hundreds of species are grown within one operation, makes it extremely challenging to simultaneously manage the many potential pathogens and arthropod pests. Throughout the production cycle, bedding plants are exposed repeatedly to disease-causing microorganisms, insects, and mites. And then these plants are exposed to even more sources of pests and pathogens when they are moved outdoors into landscapes. Anticipating when, where, and why diseases, disorders, and pest infestations can occur on bedding plants is the key to prevention.

Growers and gardeners will find all of this information in Compendium of Bedding Plant Diseases and Pests. The content is organized into these major parts:

The Introduction provides an overview of the industry and the issues specific to bedding plant production.

Part I, Infectious Diseases, is divided into sections on diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, oomycetes, nematodes, viroids, and viruses. More than 75 individual diseases are discussed in terms of their distribution, symptoms, causal agent or organism, disease cycle and epidemiology, and management.

Part II, Abiotic Diseases and Disorders, addresses stress-induced conditions caused by a number of factors, including air pollution, excess and insufficient light, nutritional imbalances, pesticide toxicity, and water imbalances.

Part III, Arthropod Pests, begins with an overview of production and management topics specific to insects and mites and then addresses 22 important pests in terms of life cycle, damage, and management.

Three appendixes provide scientific and common names of more than 100 host plants, common names of diseases and their pathogens, and scientific and common names of insect, mite, and mollusk pests. A glossary and an index provide helpful tools for readers of all interest and knowledge levels.

This in-depth content is enhanced by 188 color photographs of symptoms and signs of diseases and disorders and of pests and pest damage. These high-quality photos will provide important aids to scouts, help growers to identify problems early (before they spread), and expedite the findings of diagnosticians. In addition, 24 comprehensive tables distill information on topics such as the effectiveness of pesticides against target pathogens and pests. These tables will serve as handy references to assist readers in disease and pest management.

Compendium of Bedding Plant Diseases and Pests is the most up-to-date and thorough book available regarding diseases, disorders, and arthropod pests of bedding plants. It provides a comprehensive, authoritative resource for a broad range of readers—from diagnosticians, extension plant pathologists, horticulturists, and students to greenhouse and nursery producers, garden center operators, and landscape designers and gardeners. Indeed, any gardener—even a beginner with just a few patio plants—will find this book interesting and informative. Growers will find it indispensable.